Why It’s Time to Rethink “College = Success”
For years, high schoolers have been told the same story: go to a four-year college, get a degree, and you’ll have the career of your dreams. But that advice doesn’t fit everyone. Rising tuition costs, heavy student loan debt, and four years in a classroom don’t always add up to success.
Meanwhile, skilled trades like welding, machining, and construction offer a different path—one where you train for less time, spend less money, and enter a field that’s hungry for workers. At Chief Industries in Grand Island, NE, we see the benefits of choosing trades every day. Skilled workers aren’t just filling jobs—they’re building futures.
So if you’re weighing a trade career vs college, here’s why skilled trades might be the better path for you.
The Costs: College Tuition vs Trade School
One of the biggest differences between college and trade careers is cost. College tuition has soared over the past few decades, with many students graduating with debt that can take decades to pay off.
Trade training, on the other hand, is much more affordable. Programs at community colleges or technical schools often cost a fraction of what a four-year degree does. Apprenticeships sometimes even pay you to learn.
Here’s why the cost difference matters:
Trade school programs can be one-third the cost of a four-year degree.
Many programs let you work part-time while training.
Student loan debt is much lower—or non-existent.
You start saving and investing earlier, instead of paying loans.
Imagine graduating from a one-year welding program and landing a job right away. While your college friends are still buying textbooks and writing term papers, you’re earning, saving, and gaining independence.
Time to Career: Years vs Months
A bachelor’s degree usually takes at least four years. For some careers, graduate school stretches that to six, seven, or even more. That’s a long time before you get to start working in your field.
Trade programs move much faster. Welding certifications, for example, can be completed in a matter of months. Machining programs usually run one to two years. Apprenticeships combine learning and earning, so you’re building skills and paychecks at the same time.
The result? You can start working years earlier than your peers in college, and those years of extra experience make a big difference in your confidence, skills, and financial stability.
Job Demand That Keeps Growing
The demand for skilled trades isn’t just steady—it’s climbing. As older generations of workers retire, industries need new welders, machinists, electricians, and technicians to fill their shoes.
Unlike some fields that can be outsourced or replaced by automation, skilled trades require hands-on work that can’t be done overseas. Factories, construction sites, and machine shops all need people who can safely and skillfully work with tools and equipment.
Industries in Nebraska and across the U.S. are especially hungry for welders and machinists. At Chief Industries, we depend on skilled tradespeople to keep our operations moving every day.
For students exploring welding careers, resources like Chief’s welding career opportunities provide insight into the pathways available.
Why this matters for you:
You’ll step into a career where jobs are available now.
Your skills will stay in demand for decades.
Skilled trades offer stability that many careers can’t promise.
Earning Potential Without the Wait
There’s a myth that trade jobs don’t pay well. The reality? Skilled trades can provide excellent wages, often comparable to or higher than jobs that require a four-year degree.
Entry-level welders and machinists already earn competitive pay. Add experience, certifications, or specialized skills, and your income grows quickly. In some trades, advanced roles like underwater welding or CNC programming can bring in salaries that rival engineers or business managers.
Students curious about earning potential can explore insights like how much welders make.
The best part is that you start earning years earlier than college grads. That early income can go toward savings, buying a car, or even a down payment on a house—while your peers may still be living in dorms.
Learning By Doing
If you prefer hands-on learning to sitting in lectures, trades are designed for you. Instead of spending years in classrooms, you’ll be in labs, shops, and real job sites.
Welding programs, for example, teach math and science, but you’ll apply them directly to your work. Machining combines problem-solving and precision with physical activity. Many students who struggle with traditional classroom settings thrive in trades because they learn best by doing, not by memorizing.
This style of learning doesn’t just keep things interesting—it also makes the skills stick. You’re less likely to forget a lesson when you’ve applied it with your own hands.
Respect and Pride in Skilled Work
Trades carry a sense of pride that’s hard to match. When you lay down a clean weld, operate a machine with precision, or fabricate a part that keeps an industry moving, you see the results instantly. That kind of work creates respect—not just from your peers, but from the community.
At Chief Industries, skilled trade workers are highly valued. They’re problem-solvers and builders. They keep projects moving and equipment running. And they go home knowing they contributed something tangible that day.
For many students, this sense of purpose is one of the greatest benefits of choosing a welding trade or a machine shop career. Articles like Why Welding Is a Great Career Choice highlight these rewards.
Flexibility and Career Growth
One of the skilled trade advantages that often gets overlooked is flexibility. Trades aren’t dead-end jobs—they’re stepping-stones to bigger roles.
Welders might start in fabrication shops, then move into structural welding, pipeline work, or even specialized areas like underwater welding. Machinists can become CNC programmers, quality inspectors, or shop supervisors.
Here are just a few of the ways trade careers can expand:
Specialize in high-demand areas (like pipe welding or CNC machining)
Advance to supervisory or training roles
Transition into inspection or quality control
Start your own business with your skills as the foundation
When you choose a trade, you’re not limiting yourself—you’re opening multiple paths.
The Myth of Trades as a “Backup Plan”
Some people still think of trades as a fallback option for students who “can’t” do college. That’s a myth. The truth is, trades are a smart, intentional choice. They’re for students who want to build careers quickly, avoid debt, and do work that matters.
Choosing a trade doesn’t mean settling—it means prioritizing your future. Skilled trades are vital to every community, and the workers who master them enjoy respect, security, and pride.
What Employers Look For
Employers in industries like welding and machining don’t just look at resumes—they look at habits. Chief Industries, for example, values workers who:
Show up on time, ready to work
Take safety seriously, wearing PPE and following shop rules
Ask questions and keep learning
Work well in teams
Take pride in the quality of their work
If you build these habits in high school shop classes or training programs, you’ll stand out when applying for jobs. Employers don’t just hire skills—they hire reliability, safety, and attitude.
Benefits That Go Beyond Pay
Trades aren’t just about paychecks. Many trade careers come with benefits that matter long-term: health insurance, retirement plans, paid training, and steady hours.
For high schoolers thinking about their future, that stability is a big deal.
It means you’re not just working for today—you’re securing your tomorrow. Those benefits make a difference when you’re ready to start a family, buy a house, or plan for retirement.
Quick Takeaways
College often means high costs, student debt, and four years before working
Trades offer shorter training, lower costs, and faster entry into the workforce
Skilled trade demand is strong and growing across industries
Welders and machinists earn competitive pay without waiting years to start
Hands-on learners thrive in trade programs compared to traditional classrooms
Skilled trades offer pride, purpose, and multiple paths for growth
Employers value reliability, safety, and teamwork as much as technical skill
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to start a trade career?
Most trade programs run six months to two years, compared to four years for college.Do welders and machinists make good money?
Yes. Starting wages are competitive, and experienced tradespeople often earn salaries that rival or exceed many college grads.Are skilled trades in demand?
Absolutely. Welders, machinists, electricians, and other skilled workers are in short supply, with steady demand across the country.Is trade school cheaper than college?
Yes. Tuition is often a fraction of the cost, and many students graduate with little to no debt. Articles like Build a career without college offer additional insight.Can I grow in a trade career?
Definitely. With experience, you can advance to leadership roles, specialize, or even open your own shop.
Choosing Your Path
The choice between a trade career vs college is personal, but it’s important to look at the big picture. Do you want to spend years in lecture halls and graduate with debt? Or do you want to start working, earning, and building real skills sooner?
Skilled trades like welding and machining aren’t just jobs—they’re careers with growth, respect, and stability. At Chief Industries, we know firsthand how valuable trade workers are. They’re the backbone of our company, and their skills keep us moving forward.
If you’re ready for a career that’s hands-on, rewarding, and future-proof, a skilled trade might just be the better path for you.
To start exploring opportunities, connect with us through our contact page.
